Chapter 24

Erhan

Erhan’s eyes blazed with defiance as the enemies began to beat him, each blow fueling his determination to protect Kleena at all costs. He gritted his teeth, absorbing the pain, every strike against his body a reminder of his failure to keep her safe.

If I can only break free, these fuckers are in for a world of pain!

The thick chains around his neck and body constricted with every futile attempt to break free, the cold metal biting into his flesh. But the thought of them harming Kleena truly terrified him. The potential loss of her, the woman he loved, was more agonizing than any physical torment.

He remembered the time they spent together, the warmth of her touch, the sound of her laughter. The idea of losing her, of seeing her hurt, ignited a ferocity within him that refused to be quelled.

He struggled against his chains with renewed frenzy, his muscles straining, his skin tearing where the metal bit deep.

Kleena! I must get you out of here! Fuck!

He roared in frustration, the sound a primal echo of his desperation. His heart was heavy with despair, the love he felt for Kleena making the prospect of her suffering unbearable.

The Jorvlens, sensing his inner turmoil, commanded Kleena to stand tall so they could see her better, their voices dripping with brutal anticipation.

Erhan’s helpless rage hit a crescendo, the cruelty of their intentions a visceral knife to his soul. He thrashed against his bonds, the chains rattling with a grim finality that underscored his powerlessness.

“No! Leave her alone!” His voice was raw, a plea wrapped in anger and desperation.

He locked eyes with Kleena, the silent scream caught in his throat mirrored in her tear-filled gaze.

I’m sorry, my beloved.

Erhan’s regret weighed heavily on him. He regretted avoiding her, not telling her his true feelings, and wasting precious time they could have spent together.

Each second that passed without him breaking free felt like a lifetime of missed opportunities.

“Kleena,” he choked out, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry.”

Tears spilled down Kleena’s cheeks as she faced the cruel command, her body trembling. “Please,” she begged, her voice cracking with emotion. “Don’t hurt him. I’ll do anything, just don’t hurt him.”

She is in danger but she begs for mercy for me? I don’t deserve that kind of love, Kleena! Erhan’s heart broke at her plea, his love for her a burning fire in his chest.

The Jorvlens laughed, a chilling sound that echoed in the confined space of the ship. “Anything?” one of them taunted. “Then start with your clothes.”

His hatred for their captors intensified and he vowed that if they were given a chance to be together again, he would make it up to her. He would tell her everything, cherish every moment, and never let fear hold him back.

I will show you all the love I feel. You’ll never feel unwanted ever again. I swear!

As the Jorvlens closed in on Kleena, Erhan’s vision blurred with a mix of frustrated tears and rage.

He summoned every ounce of strength left in him, his determination unwavering. “I won’t let you touch her!” he roared, his voice echoing through the ship.

Erhan’s eyes locked on to Kleena’s, and in them, he saw her unwavering trust and love.

It’s futile! I’m not strong enough. Damnit!

Just as the enemies prepared to carry out their vile intentions, a sudden jolt shook the ship, the sound of battle penetrating the thick walls of their cell.

The ship shuddered violently, causing the Jorvlens to stumble, their cruel laughter abruptly silenced by the unmistakable roar of conflict.

Erhan’s eyes went wide, hope ignited within him as the chaos outside intensified.

Could it be?

He strained against his chains, every fiber of his being attuned to the sounds of their possible salvation.

Kleena looked at him, her fear momentarily overshadowed by the surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins.

The walls of the cell trembled as heavy footsteps echoed closer, a fierce clash of metal and energy weapons growing louder with each passing second.

Shouts of command and the sharp crackle of blaster fire filled the air, the tension within the cell rising to a fever pitch.

The cell door burst open in an explosion of sparks and smoke, silhouetting a group of heavily armed figures against the harsh light of the corridor.

Their movements were precise, their weapons cutting through the Jorvlens with deadly efficiency.

I recognize those weapons. Help has arrived at last!

Blades glinted, and energy shields hummed as they pushed forward, a disciplined phalanx of force and determination.

One of the rescuers, a figure clad in dark, sleek armor, rushed to Erhan and Kleena’s side.

With swift, practiced motions, they disabled the chains binding Erhan, their touch reassuring and firm. “We’re here to get you out,” the rescuer stated, their voice steady despite the chaos.

Erhan, newly freed, didn’t waste a moment. His eyes blazed with a mix of fury and glee as his eyes fell on the Jorvlens who had tormented them.

This was his chance to fight back, to reclaim his dignity, and to protect Kleena. He grabbed a fallen weapon, feeling its familiar weight in his hands, and launched himself at the nearest Jorvlen with a roar of pent-up rage.

As Erhan fought, his thoughts were a whirlwind of determination and vengeance.

These monsters thought they could break us. They thought they could hurt her. They were wrong .

Every swing of his weapon, every strike, was fueled by the memories of Kleena’s tears and his own helpless fury.

He relished the sensation of striking back, of turning the tide in their favor.

The satisfaction of seeing the Jorvlens fall under his assault was a balm to his wounded pride and a testament to his strength.

The rescuers, impressed by his ferocity, formed a protective barrier around him and Kleena, ensuring no harm came to them as they made their way through the chaos.

Erhan, satisfied that he got to fight back, grabbed Kleena’s hand and pulled her closer to him. The tip of his tail protectively curled around her stomach, keeping her close.

I will never let you out of my sight again. You’ll be protected for the rest of your life. I promise.

They moved as a cohesive unit, every move purposeful and every action synchronized.

The corridor outside the cell was a battleground, but the rescuers’ training turned the tide of the confrontation. They cut down the Jorvlens with a blend of tactical precision and raw power, their advance unstoppable. They guided Erhan and Kleena through the ship, shielded from harm by their rescuers’ expert maneuvers.

Blaster bolts flew past, barely missing their targets as the group pressed forward. The rescuers’ energy shields flared, absorbing hits that would have otherwise struck Erhan and Kleena.

The path to freedom was fraught with danger, but their protectors were relentless, carving a way through the enemy ship with unyielding resolve.

Finally, they reached the hangar bay, where a sleek transport ship awaited. The rescuers hustled Erhan and Kleena aboard, covering their retreat with disciplined fire and unwavering determination.

As the transport’s engines roared to life, the rescue team made a final stand, holding the line against the Jorvlens until the ship safely lifted off.

Battered but alive, Erhan and Kleena collapsed into the transport’s seats, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.

The rescuers closed ranks around them, offering silent reassurance as the transport sped away from the enemy vessel.

The stars blurred outside the viewports, the vast expanse of space a stark contrast to the confines of their former prison.

The journey back to the Nirum empire was swift, the transport ship navigating through the stars with practiced ease.

When they finally landed, the ramp lowered to reveal the grandeur of the Niri palace. Guards and officials awaited their arrival, and as Erhan slithered down the ramp with Kleena at his side, they were greeted by the king and queen themselves.

His brother, the king, glided forward, his expression a mix of relief and determination. “Welcome home,” he said, his voice resonating with authority and warmth. “You have endured much, but you are safe now.”

The human queen Azha, her eyes soft with compassion, reached out to touch Kleena’s arm. “Rest now,” she said gently. “You are among friends.”

Erhan remained tall beside Kleena, his hand finding hers in a gesture of solidarity and comfort. The weight of their ordeal lingered, but so, too, did the bond they had forged in the crucible of their trials.

Together, they were ready to face the future with renewed strength, their hearts intertwined by the fierce love and unyielding resolve that saw them through the darkest of times.